On Friday, August 8, the longstanding tensions between Georgia and Russia over the separatist region of South Ossetia escalated dramatically. Reports indicate that late last week, Georgia’s staunchly pro-Western government launched an offensive to reclaim the territory, shelling secessionist militias and sending forces into the city of Tskhinvali. Russia, which...

In order to regain its lost ground, the United States needs to offer Georgia more than words.

The United States must reject Russia's attempts to reestablish an empire and instead must support Russia's free, democratic, and sovereign neighbors.

Russia's military assault on neighboring Georgia marks a fundamental inflection point in international relations.

By empowering security organizations such as the Eastern European Security Alliance, the United States can provide a practical safety option for our allies in times of need.

At least for now, the smoke seems to be clearing from the Georgian battlefield. But the extent of the wreckage reaches far beyond that small country.

To visit Abkhazia and South Ossetia, armed separatist enclaves in Georgia, as I did two weeks ago, is to watch the ongoing destruction of international law and order by a brand-new modus operandi.

Frederick W. Kagan is preparing frequently updated reports on the unfolding situation in the Caucasus.